Spotify will debut free mobile service

Look out, Pandora and iTunes Radio: Spotify is planning a free, ad-supported version of its streaming-music service on mobile devices after previously charging users pay a monthly fee, according to a Wall Street Journal story. The free version of Spotify was previously available only on desktop and laptop computers.

Spotify has reached licensing deals with the three major music companies to use their songs—Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.

Spotify, has 6 million paying subscribers and 20 million active users worldwide. The new ad-supported offering will allow mobile users to play a limited number of songs on demand, but will mostly serve up music based on the user’s input, much like Pandora, the story said.

Spotify launched its own custom radio feature for free users and paying subscribers last year. Spotify’s premium service, which costs $10 a month, delivers unlimited, on-demand music from its 20 million-song catalog on any device.

Carl has been with RBR-TVBR since 1997 and is currently Managing Director/Senior Editor. Residing in Northern Virginia, he covers the business of broadcasting, advertising, programming, new media and engineering. He’s also done a great deal of interviews for the company and handles our ever-growing stable of bylined columnists.